Swindon’s top firms are being urged to enter the region’s most prestigious business competition – accountants PwC’s annual West of England Business of the Year Awards.
The widely-respected awards are now in their 28th year and previous winners represent the cream of the region’s top companies. Previous winners have included Swindon-based construction group Beard, Malmesbury-based household appliance giant Dyson and Mitie, the fast-growing Bristol-based outsourcing group.
The unrivalled awards, which are being staged in association with ITV West and Circle 2 Success, have gained a reputation built firmly on the thoroughness of the judging panel, which is made up of respected business figures from across the region.
PwC also commissions a professional film production company to produce videos for all shortlisted finalists. 
Swindon Business News is again official media partner of the coveted awards, along with its sister titles Bristol Business News and Bath Business News
The awards have maintained their unique position as they only two categories: for business with a turnover above £30m and for those turning over less than £30m.
The gala award ceremony, which takes place in Bristol on July 6, is also a high point in the region’s business calendar, attracting high-profile guests from across the business community.
PwC regional leader Katharine Finn said: “These business awards are unique as there are only two award categories and there is no cost associated to be part of the awards or attend the awards ceremony. I would like to encourage firms to enter these long-standing, prestigious awards and share their story with the region.”
Last year’s winner of the large business category was Bott, the Bude-based workplace storage equipment firm, while Devon Air Ambulance Trust won the smaller business award.
Bott chief executive officer Clive Woodward, pictured collecting the trophy at last year’s awards ceremony, said: “Winning this award meant a great deal to the whole Bott team.
“The award came on the back of ongoing investment and developing a team culture of excellence and continual improvement. Winning was a testament to each individual in the wider Bott team making their contribution towards delivering for our customers.”
Judges look at six key business elements in entrants; innovative products/service; staff training; business management; financial performance; future prospects and how the firm contributes to the region.
All businesses are eligible to enter the awards if they have traded for three years or more and are located, or headquartered, in the West of England. This includes public companies, subsidiaries of larger groups (overseas or UK owned), private companies and partnerships. Divisions of companies can also enter provided they have accounting information equivalent to a stand-alone company.
Click to Download Application form Click to Download Award information
View the videos of last year’s two winners – Bott Limited and Devon Air Ambulance Trust
